Page 16 - Mississippi/Louisiana Gaming News - Fall, 2024

Moving Ahead
Gold Strike Casino appoints two
D’IBERVILLE — Gold Strike Casino Resort announced the appointment of Anthony Pena as director of slot operations and Robert Franklin as executive chef.
Anza, California. Pena graduated
from Florida International University with a degree in business administration.
Franklin, with
more than 40
years of experience,
brings a depth of
culinary knowledge,
ranging from fine dining restaurants and management to specialty catering services.
He will oversee menu planning and development operations for Gold Strike’s four restaurants.
Franklin’s expertise draws from previous positions as an executive chef and as
a manager of restaurant operations, including his 11-year tenure at Horseshoe Casino in Bossier City, Louisiana. Beyond working in restaurants, bistros, exclusive clubs and bakeries throughout the South, his culinary background also includes two years studying regional cuisines from Milan, the Italian Alps, Bologna and Regio Emilio in Milano, Lombardi.
When preparing his menus, Franklin incorporates his knowledge of American cuisine while drawing from his strong international food background.
In his new
role, Pena will
oversee the slot
department
operations
at the Tunica
resort, including
regulatory
compliance and
staff management,
while ensuring
an exceptional
guest gaming experience. He will also lead gaming machine optimization and provide for the department’s budget and fiscal forecasting.
Pena has more than 23 years of experience overseeing gaming operations and personnel, internal controls, operations management and accounting.
Before joining Gold Strike, Pena
served as the director of operations and performance at Eldorado Scioto Downs
in Columbus, Ohio, and as the director of operations and sports book at Riverwalk Casino Hotel in Vicksburg, Mississippi.
His experience also includes a role as a director of operations at Cahuilla Casino in
Robert Franklin
16 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS
FALL 2024
Anthony Pena
Significant changes at Pearl River Resort
CHOCTAW — The Choctaw Resort Development Enterprise (CRDE), a business enterprise of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, announced significant leadership changes at Pearl River Resort. These changes underscore the resort’s ongoing
commitment to excellence and growth.
Timothy Hill has been appointed as the interim president and CEO of Pearl River Resort. Hill, a member of the executive team, brings more than 40 years of experience in the gaming industry.
His career includes key
roles at Pearl River Resort and other major casinos, where he has overseen operations, gaming, and resort
management. Hill holds a degree from Stockton University in New Jersey.
Connie Deon has been appointed as the acting chief financial officer. Deon is a veteran gaming and hospitality executive with more than 28 years of experience in
crucial in maintaining the resort’s financial health.
These appointments follow the decision of the CRDE board to transition to new leadership, resulting in the departure of Sonny Johnson as CEO and Patrick Fox
Timothy Hill
finance. Her notable positions include executive director of finance and financial controller at Pearl River Resort, as well as financial controller at Isle of Capri Casino.
Deon holds
a degree in banking, finance,
Connie Deon
as CFO.
“The CRDE board of
directors has taken action and made a decision to move forward with these changes in leadership. We will continue with prioritizing to make improvements and progress for our resort properties,” said Chief Cyrus Ben. “Both Tim and Connie have many years of experience in their
and accounting from the University of Mississippi and an MBA from Mississippi State University. Her expertise will be
respective fields. I have complete faith they will do a great job in these interim positions.”
Hotel manager
announced
at WaterView
VICKSBURG
— WaterView
Casino Hotel
Vicksburg has
announced the
promotion of
Patricia Harden
to hotel manager.
Harden, who
joined WaterView
team in 2004,
has been
described as an invaluable member whose dedication and hard work have significantly contributed to the company’s success.
Harden initially assumed the role
of supervisor in 2007, where she distinguished herself with her leadership qualities. Known for her commitment
to delivering service and her strong work ethic, Harden is regarded as
an exemplary role model within the organization.
Colleagues have commended Harden for her consistent teamwork and unwavering pride in her work at the property.
Patricia Harden